Murang'a police arrest 65-year-old woman for beheading her husband

A 65-year-old woman has been arrested in Kandara, Murang'a County for allegedly beheading her 99-year-old husband.

According to police, Margaret Wanjiru allegedly killed her husband Ndung’u Mugachia, who she was married to for 52 years, by first cutting off his right ear and then slitting his throat using a machete.

Mugachia's younger brother, Mr Dunson Ngigi, said, "She has been in and out of this marriage. For the 52 years that they have been man and wife under customary law, they have lived together for about 15 years."

Wanjiru and Mugachia, who sired six children, had been living a life of conflict, regarding the paternity of children, family land and suspicions of infidelity, Ngigi added. 

According to Ngigi, Wanjiru was against her husband being given money or food.

Marion Nduta, a grandchild in the family, said, “There was a time in 2019 when we contemplated taking him to a rescue home for the elderly but she threatened us with all manner of repercussions." 

Kandara police boss Catherine Ringera said, "Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect was quarrelling her daughter-in-law who had given the deceased breakfast. The husband came out to defend the daughter-in-law and that is when hell break loose." 

The daughter-in-law, Betty Mumbi, who had quarrelled with the suspect, was among those questioned by police. 

Ringera confirmed that the body was moved to Gaichanjiru Mission Hospital mortuary awaiting autopsy and that the suspect is in police custody awaiting arraignment as investigations are concluded.